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Replies (13)
- Dan, "the_country_hick"
- Contributions:4700
Does it work?
Does it use the old freon r-22 or the new stuff?
The old freon r-12 (for cars) and r-22 (for appliances) is now outlawed. That means if it needs to be recharged it would be very expensive.
A new a/c unit would be more efficient. But I would not think it would be a serious issue for most buyers. If a buyer demands a new a/c unit they can either negotiate the price down or install it themself.
Does it use the old freon r-22 or the new stuff?
The old freon r-12 (for cars) and r-22 (for appliances) is now outlawed. That means if it needs to be recharged it would be very expensive.
A new a/c unit would be more efficient. But I would not think it would be a serious issue for most buyers. If a buyer demands a new a/c unit they can either negotiate the price down or install it themself.
- Pat Pribisko, "Pat Pribisko"
- Contributions:1426
In our market (Northeast OH), the 3 most important concerns for buyers are the age of the roof, furnace & central airconditioning unit. If you have the money available, I would replace the central air conditioning unit (especially since you live in a warm climate).
- Sedat Celik, "Sedat Celik"
- Contributions:9
Definately. The buyer will trust more. Specially if you can show all paperwork of the replacement...
Sedat Celik
Realtor
[contact info removed by moderator]
Sedat Celik
Realtor
[contact info removed by moderator]
- sunnyview
- Contributions:25139
Maybe. It really depends on whether you have room in your price to recoup the cost of the replacement. Buyers definitely appreciate new systems if all else is equal those houses tend to sell faster, but it really depends on your local market and whether the replacement cost will make your price less competitive.
If the AC still works, I would probably not replace it, but would have it serviced instead. Most buyers look at the esthetics of a house first, then the systems.
If the AC still works, I would probably not replace it, but would have it serviced instead. Most buyers look at the esthetics of a house first, then the systems.
- andenas
- Contributions:2
Thank you. My Trane XE1000 is working fine. The service man has said there is some rust, and recommended the unit be replaced. The unit uses the R22 freon as coolant.
My finances make it difficult to purchase a new unit, if not necessary.
With the cvurrent incentives of rebates, tax credits and the now available State incentive, it will still cost me $3000 to $4000 (apprx) with financing. Depending on what company I would decide upon using, the total rebates would be about $3500 to $4500.
Your advice about the buyer either asking for a new AC unit, or a
deduction (about $7500 average) is appreciated.
My finances make it difficult to purchase a new unit, if not necessary.
With the cvurrent incentives of rebates, tax credits and the now available State incentive, it will still cost me $3000 to $4000 (apprx) with financing. Depending on what company I would decide upon using, the total rebates would be about $3500 to $4500.
Your advice about the buyer either asking for a new AC unit, or a
deduction (about $7500 average) is appreciated.
- sunnyview
- Contributions:25139
Trane makes a good unit. If you are selling, I would not replace it unless it is broken. And I would probably not offer a buyers credit until you have an accepted offer. If there is a question about the unit at that point, the buyers inspection will show it and you can offer a partial credit for replacement. Most buyers will not cross a house off the list for an old A/C unit as long as it still operates.
- Frank Becerra, "Las Vegas agent"
- Contributions:84
As you probably guess, in the desert AC's are crucial. What we usually do is if we represent the seller in the transaction, we usually contact a home warranty company and insure the unit. This is usually free to the seller as long as they agree to offer a buyers side warranty to the buyer. Some companies charge a very small fee to insure HVAC for the seller sometimes.
This usually gives the buyer a sense that if they have a problem with it it can get fixed, they can later decide to extend it.
I have the sellers pay it for my buyers specially if they are purchasing a foreclosed property which 90% of my clients do.
A lot cheaper than replacing the unit.
Remenber real estate is local seek the advice of a local realtor. That fits into any budget, its free.
This usually gives the buyer a sense that if they have a problem with it it can get fixed, they can later decide to extend it.
I have the sellers pay it for my buyers specially if they are purchasing a foreclosed property which 90% of my clients do.
A lot cheaper than replacing the unit.
Remenber real estate is local seek the advice of a local realtor. That fits into any budget, its free.
- Kathy Sears, "kathypricesears"
- Contributions:1029
Unfortunately, simply replacing the HVAC system is not going to add value or sell your home. If replace, it is just one less thing the buyer has to worry about going wrong. Will this give your home an advantage over another one, maybe/maybe not. If this is the only achilles heel in selling your home or continues to be a stumbling block from getting offers from potential buyers, it might be necessary to undergo this cost. Otherwise, I would rather offer a home warranty to buyers which you can usually purchase for $300-500 and it will not only cover your H/A but other areas of the house as well...
- Chris Prickett, "The Prickett Group"
- Contributions:46
If you decide to replace it, make double sure that the quotes you get are ironclad. Because of the "13 SEER" law that came out a few years back, the new systems often have a larger footprint than existing. In my market, the air handler/evap coil is located in the attic and the trusses have been engineered to fit a particular sized unit. If the new one is physically bigger (which it usually is) you might find that the space needs to be redesigned to accommodate the larger unit. This could get VERY expensive, and is often not discovered until the new unit arrives on the site.
- Kim Vitale, "Kim Vitale"
- Contributions:30
It won't add to the price of your home but it will be an investment that will be more attractive to a buyer. You may be interested in purchasing a home warranty that can be transferred upon the sale of your home. This is also an attractive incentive to prospective buyers. Best of luck!
- Neil Blumberg, "Neil.Blumberg"
- Contributions:42
Anything you do to improve the quality of your house increases its value, and so betters your chance of selling. The question is: how much better? Will I recoup my investment? A new A/C for a budget minded engineer type or investor looking at the home as a functional unit will be far more likely to pay more for a house with a new A/C than starry eyed inexperienced first time home buyers who have not yet faced expensive repair bills and heating bills.
How much more will Joe Average pay? Not much. Certainly nowhere near the cost of installing a new unit.
If your current 13 year old unit is completely functional and will pass an inspection, I'd recommend not replacing it, and if not, I'd look to repairing rather than replacing. When you get down to the nitty gritty of negotiations, be prepared to compromise on price because of the A/C.
Here are 2 links you'll find interesting:
http://www.realtor.org/rmohome_and_design/articles/1001_costvsvalue_2009
http://www.remodeling.hw.net/2010/costvsvalue/national.aspx
How much more will Joe Average pay? Not much. Certainly nowhere near the cost of installing a new unit.
If your current 13 year old unit is completely functional and will pass an inspection, I'd recommend not replacing it, and if not, I'd look to repairing rather than replacing. When you get down to the nitty gritty of negotiations, be prepared to compromise on price because of the A/C.
Here are 2 links you'll find interesting:
http://www.realtor.org/rmohome_and_design/articles/1001_costvsvalue_2009
http://www.remodeling.hw.net/2010/costvsvalue/national.aspx
- Allison Stewart, "astewartRealtor"
- Contributions:28
Given the econonmic climate, replacing the existing A/C still requires an outlay of cash. Even if you get the energy credits for replacing the unit, it will not be a return on your investment of a dollar for dollar return. Depending on what the homes in your area are selling for currently. You may want to consider a buyer credit concession instead. Disclosure the fact it is an older unit. If you have had it recently serviced and it is in working order, there is no immediate need to replace it. In the alternative you could adjust the sale price if necessary.
- Sharon Lewis, "Sharon Lewis"
- Contributions:3923
My vote, yes, if the AC is old, the potential buyer will note that and then start looking around to see what else, they will have to replace....frig, stove, hot water heater, roof, etc. And do offer a home warranty.
will replacing 13 yr old AC help sale of property
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